Think it’s time for New York City to update its cab design? The New York Taxi and Limousine Commission (TLC) has been hunting for the so-called “taxi of tomorrow” — a cab that integrates safety, comfort, energy efficiency, and superior design — for the past two years. The TLC hasn’t chosen a new taxi yet, but we like the looks of the Unicab, a four-seater EV decked out with so many eco features that barely resembles today’s cabs.

Designed as an all-electric vehicle, the concept cab derives additional energy from solars panels on the roof, brake energy conversion, hydrogen fuel cells, and plug-in recharging. A light, strong steel body features seating for four people, an infotainment unit, a luggage compartment that slides out, and even a wheelchair ramp.

The TLC hasn’t announced when it will choose its taxi of tomorrow, but a sleek electric option sounds good to us.

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2 Comments

Sure looks good to me-was sad to see the last of the Marathons, but this would make a new statement for certain! Kudos on the design.

sickspeedJune 1, 2010 at 2:34 pm

Definitely long overdue. Some thoughts: Not sure how good solar panels would work in a tall city like NY, don’t forget the need for doors to be able to open and close quickly when picking up fares, and safety should be paramount given that very few, if any, taxi drivers actually possess any driving skill, courtesy or regard whatsoever.